Dogwood is a Christian punk band hailing from San Diego, California. Their music is often compared to that of The Offspring, and they list NOFX, Bad Religion and Lagwagon as musical influences. Dogwood is one of the pioneers of Christian punk music and has been playing for over 10 years.

Interview by Carlo Gironi | carlo@staff.truepunk.com | with Josh Kemble (vocals).

Hi! How are you doing?
I am doing very well, grazie!

For all of the people who do now know Dogwood, can you sum up a story of the band, from your early beginning to your new guitar players?
We started in North San Diego County as Half-Off, then we changed to Dogwood shortly thereafter. Now we have Josh on vocals, Danny on Guitars, Rob on Bass, Russ on Drums (Andrew is filling in for tour).

Can you present the new members of Dogwood ? What do you think of them? I think that Sean?s style of playing was very original ? how do you think the new guitar player(s) have influenced the new songs off “Seismic”? Danny is an incredible songwriter, and his songs are inspirational to everyone that hears them. I enjoy writing lyrics to his music, it feels right.

Your new CD “Seismic” has just come out on T&N Records - how do you feel about this? Do you consider it your best CD ever?
It’s definitely on the top of my list. I like that it came out on tooth and nail. They do great things.

In what way do you think the new album is different from your previous works?
It’s more personal, dealing with divorce, friends leaving, friends returning, and family never returning.

What does the title ( “Seismic” ) refer to?
It refers to the way experts measure the magnitude of earthquakes. We thought it sounded big.

I think the new albums sounds a lot like “More That Conqueroros”, what do you think?
It has some similarities, in that it’s hard and loud, with sing along stuff. I like MTC, and Seismic compares to that album the most.

“Seismic” has been produced by Sean, your old guitar player. How was to work with him as a producer rather than a guitar player of the band?
It was cool, because he knew what we were capable of, and he could push to get that extra edge out of all of us. He is a big help in the melody department, like giving me ideas for singing.

You also worked with Ryan Greene, the same one you worked on “Matt Aragon”
: did it help you to find some particular sound?Because Greene’s name is very often linked to the Fat Wreck Chords trademark, did you choose him for this reason?
Yes, and he is an amazing album magician. We would choose him to work on any record in any way in the future.

What do you think of Reeve Oliver - is Sean busy with this band ( as I saw he has been producing good music lately: you, The Lyndsay Diaries, and others)?
His band is very good and very popular. He is always busy producing someone’s music.

Are you guys in Dogwood able to live with the music of your band?
I think we’ll live!

There is a story around that says that Russel appears in the Millencolin
homevideo: do you know if this is any true? Some people say that he appears in the first shots of a Millencolin show in San Diego .
He’s in the video, yes. so is jason harper.

Is it true that Russel was a roadie for P.O.D.?
Yes again!

Would you like to explan to our readers who Matt Aragon is and what is the concept behind the title of your old album entilted to “Matt Aragon”?
He is our best friend as a band, and he is just deserving of something to be named after him, so we thought, how about an album? you should meet him. email him: mattaragon12@hotmail.com

For your previous albums you worked with Egerton/Stevenson, two people that I always appreciated as they play in one of my favorite punk rock bands ever. Why did you decide to change? Can you tell me how it worked in the studio with those two men? Who does what? I mean, what does Egerton do and what does Stevenson do in the studio ? Can you tell us some nice fact that happened with them, but most important, are you satisfied to have worked with them ? Will you work with them also in the future?
That was fun indeed. We didn’t actually meet bill, but Stephen was very great to work with.I wouldn’t mind working there again. We totally look up to the work that his bands have done, and he made that album do well.

What are your future plans? Will you ever tour outside the USA,like, in Europe?
Bring us to Italia!

Is there any new band that you are listening to and that you like?
I like Much the Same from Chicago.

What albums/cd’s/bands have you been listening to lately?
I listen to Refused before every single show. I like 238’s newest album “you should be living” it’s so good.

Your songs “Flowersoondie” and “Sanctuary” have been released on two Tooth and Nail compilation last year - will you ever put them on a Dogwood album or will you keep them “unreleased” and for the compilations only?
I’d like to have them available otherwise. Maybe on the website, or if we do our own compilation….

Any final comments?
I love tiramisu.

Thanks so much for taking the time for this interview!
Prego,ciao bella!